College of Arts, Sciences and Education

The School of Environment, Arts and Society (SEAS) is one of three interdisciplinary schools in the FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education (CASE) and it unites faculty in the sciences, social sciences and humanities to conduct solutions-oriented research that addresses environmental and socioeconomic challenges, such as sea level rise. Housed in SEAS, the Southeast Environmental Research Center (SERC) has studied the ecological, political and economic implications of sea level rise for more than two decades. With over $23 million in grants over the last four years, SERC serves as a model for the integration of university researchers, government agencies and local stakeholders to develop effective environmental policies.

Everglades Research

It is also the home base for the multi-institutionalFlorida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Program (FCE LTER), which has made ground-breaking discoveries in 58the dynamics of the complex South Florida ecosystem in response to sea level rise and Everglades restoration. CASE faculty members are completing in 2015 an ULTRA-Ex project that explores how existing social and ecological vulnerabilities of MDC may be exacerbated by the double threats of climate change and economic globalization. The ULTRA Ex final report is expected in March 2015 will likely be providing very useful suggestions as to how the urban region might become more resilient.

Geographic Information Systems

In their efforts to facilitate teaching and research by the FIU community in the areas of geographic information systems, remote sensing, geospatial web visualization and geospatial data management, the FIU Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Center will be able to provide the tools to visualize and understand the complexity of sea level rise impacts beyond just the obvious flood impacts. The GIS Center is the host for GIS courses in two state-of-the-art teaching laboratories. It is equipped with 25 high-end workstations and distance learning accessories, including camera, microphone, and Elluminate software to provide instruction, information, and recommendations related to GIS, remote sensing, and spatial and statistical analysis of sea level rise impacts.